The mission of the Fostering Healthy Children Program (FHCP) is to facilitate and advocate for excellence in medical, dental, mental health, and overall wellbeing for children in Utah’s foster care system.
Fostering Healthy Children Program is designed to assist the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) in meeting the health care needs of Utah's children that are placed in foster care.
Nurses and staff from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services work in partnership with the DCFS caseworkers to coordinate health care services including medical, dental and mental health for Utah foster children.
Who may receive these services:
- Each child's health care, including medical, mental health, dental health, preventive and when appropriate, specialty care will be evaluated and tracked to ensure the child's optimum health.
- Nursing staff will identify and work with the child/family's primary care health provider whenever possible, and where one is not available, will help the child/family establish a medical home.
Psychotropic Oversight Program (UPOP)
The purpose of the Utah Psychotropic Oversight Program (UPOP) is to improve the well being of children and adolescents in foster care, receiving psychiatric treatment, by promoting safe, evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment, consistent with their mental health needs.
For information regarding Utah Psychotropic Oversight Program and access to resources for caregivers and medical professionals please visit the UPOP webpage: utahpips.org/upop
Help Line: (801) 273-2967
Program Phone: (801) 273-2980
smadden@utah.gov
Monday thru Friday - 8 am to 5 pm
Health Care Requirements
Emergency Health Assessment
This exam is required immediately if the child is a victim of suspected sexual abuse, serious neglect or physical abuse.
Health History
A detailed health history about the child and family is completed when the child enters custody.
Well Child Care
A physical examination, including anticipatory guidance, school immunizations and follow-up needs is completed within 30 days and then annually. For those under the age of two the Periodicity Schedule is used.
Dental Exam
A complete dental exam including cleaning is completed within 30 days of DCFS custody and then annually.
Ages and Stages Developmental and Social-Emotional Screening
All children ages 4 months to 5 years receive an initial developmental and social-emotional screening. This tool is repeated at a regular schedule thereafter until they turn 5 years of age.
Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment
An assessment of the child's need for mental health services is completed within 30 days of custody by a mental health professional and then annually for children over 5 years of age.
Follow-up Care
Any recommended treatment or services as identified by the medical provider is followed up on.
Resources
Child Abuse 24 Hour Reporting Hotline for Utah
(855) 323-3237
Division of Child and Family Services
(801) 538-4100
Office of Public Guardian
(801) 538-8255
Utah Foster Care Foundation
+1 (877) 505-5437
Immunizations
Immunizations are required for all school-aged children. For more information visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Web Site
In addition, we encourage all children to be immunized according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.
Health Visit Report Form
Health Visit Report Form, is the standard form for all health visits and is to be completed by your health care provider and then returned (within 3 days) to the Fostering Healthy Children Program.
Periodicity Schedule
Schedule of Well Child Exams according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, from birth to age 2 and older.
Fostering Healthy Children Program
Telephone: (801) 273-2820
Fax: (801) 536-0493
Hours: Monday thru Friday - 8 am to 5 pm
Email: fhcp@utah.gov
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